Friends reunite on soccer field

Jean Alexandre and Judner Joseph are soccer soulmates, and they are glad to be reunited as Lynn University's midfielders after being separated for two years.

When they graduated from Delray Beach's Atlantic High in 2005, they were headed to play for coach Shaun Pendleton.

Alexandre made it, but Joseph was derailed by some entrance-requirement deficiencies. So, instead, he spent the past two years at Jefferson (Mo.) College.

"It was freezing out there," said Joseph, who led Jefferson to the National Junior College Athletic Association quarterfinals in 2005 and the national championship last year. "It was the first time that I had seen snow. It was nice winning the national title. It meant a lot to the school and the city."

Joseph, who has two goals and an assist, thinks soccer is bigger in Jefferson, about 45 minutes from St. Louis, than it is in South Florida, but he is happy to be home and playing with Alexandre again.

"It is very important to me," Joseph said. "I was away from my family and my friend. When I played, I had no family or friends watching me."

The friendship with Alexandre began one day during high school after the two played indoor soccer in the gym.

"Jean came up to me and said, 'You are pretty good,' " Joseph said. "We are dedicated and love the game. We became tight friends. We have learned from each other."

Alexandre was the first Haitian to play for Lynn. He has recorded 10 goals and eight assists in three years. Joseph is the school's second Haitian player.

"The first time that I saw J.J. play, I knew that his understanding of the game was a level above those around him," Alexandre said. "I was happy for him last year. He made me want to push myself more."

Alexandre is the more explosive player. He takes the ball forward and looks for scoring chances. Joseph depends more on his ball skills, speed and ability to read the game.

"It is nice to have them back together," said Pendleton whose team started 10-1. "They are fantastic athletes. Jean is two years advanced in the system, but J.J. is polishing his game and reorganizing it within the system. They have jelled naturally due to the time that they spent together in high school."

Although they grew up in different provinces of Haiti, the two are enjoying the comfort zone that they developed in high school.

"We know each other's tendencies and play a game that the other understands," Alexandre said. "We communicate in Creole, and when we do, no one knows what we are saying."

Joseph knew what he was saying in December when he called his mother, Yolanda Laguerre, at 3 a.m. His message was simple.

"I see snow," he said.

His brother, Mark, is playing at Jefferson now. Judner plans to visit him at Christmas and take his friend, Jean, with him. Alexandre can't wait.

"I want to see the snow, too," Alexandre said. "I have wanted to see it since he told me about it."